‘The Hobbit’ Begins Its 14-Month Shoot In New Zealand

'The Hobbit' Begins Its 14-Month Shoot In New Zealand

Well, ordinarily, a film beginning production is hardly a newsworthy event, but when it’s “The Hobbit” some exceptions have to be made. Surviving the near collapse of its home MGM, Guillermo Del Toro leaving last year, union woes and Peter Jackson getting hospitalized in January with a perforated ulcer, at times, the problems around the film seemed unsurmountable. But unlike, say, “Men In Black 3” the new production start date has held and things are finally underway.

While the titles have yet to be officially confirmed earlier in the month it was revealed that New Line had registered “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” and “The Hobbit: An/The Unexpected Journey.” So don’t be surprised if those reverential monikers, that hold fast to the source material, wind up being the names of the new pictures.

The first installment of the 3D sequels arrives in December 2012, with the second film to follow a year later. [The One Ring]